Iran's presidential election and its aftermath have grabbed the headlines of blogs across the Arab world this week as bloggers from all walks to life react to the latest developments in the region.

Jordanian blogger Hareega asks the rest of the world to stand aside as Iranians sort out their internal affairs on their own:

They had elections, whether or not they were fair is something we don't know and I don't think anyone will have the ability to tell. I hate Ahmadinajhad but I like democracy and when people vote, their opinion needs to be respected. I hate it how the US's attitude towards every other country where if “our guy” wins the elections would have been fair and the people spoke up their mind, but when the “bad guy” wins the elections are unjust.

Let Iranians vote for whoever they want to, and if they're taking the streets and are going bring down Ahmadinajhad let them do it themselves. The last time the bad guy was brought down by a criminal military invasion things did not go very well and it was a country a little bit close to Iran both geographically and alphabetically.

At Arab-American joint blog KABOBfest, Kalash discusses the role the US plays in Iranian elections and sentiments on the street:

Whether or not Mousavi had the election stolen from him, it seems clear the ruling class has made a calculating move. Anti-American sentiment is one of the strongest cards those wretched clerics hold. By merely softening the tone Tehran hears from Washington, Obama has weakened their hand considerably. But re-instating Ahmadinejad ensures that US-Iranian relations will continue down a rocky road. What happens next is crucial. If Obama takes a firm position as a result of what’s happening, the mullahs may emerge victorious.

That would be a real shame. The system of governance in Iran is terrible. There is no democracy to speak of. The people are ruled by despotic men of ‘faith’ who do nothing to advance their country’s interests. Aside from keeping Iran in the headlines, Ahmadinejad has done nothing to improve his country’s standing in the international community. It should come as no surprise that so many Iranians are opposed to him. It’s tempting to say that US officials have learned from past mistakes, but they could be helping to incite protests now just as they did back in 1953.

Hopefully what is happening right now is a homegrown phenomenon. Iran needs another revolution if it is to rid itself of the backwards theology pulling the strings. Mousavi is hardly the right person to lead such a movement, but what’s important is that the people rise up. The process won’t be easy. We may be witnessing the beginning of something huge… It won’t happen overnight, but the “Islamic Republic” is bound to fall one day or another.

I don't know what is going on in Iran. The liberal bull#*it about the supposedly pro-Western reformist Moussavi supposedly pulling an upset victory over the supposedly retrograde Ahmedinejad doesn't make much sense.

On the people of Iran, the blogger says:

These people show courage facing an armed and willing to kill repressive state apparatus and they are making history. They are blessed.

From Egypt, Wael Nawara [Ar] at Weekite comments on US President Barack Obama's reaction to the Iranian elections saying:

We have to admit that his comment is balanced and contains huge respect for the Iranian people and their aspiring experience. At the same time, Obama's language is strong and clear, in supporting the universal rights for every human being and nation, and for Iranians to select who will rule them. His speech also carries a positive spirit and hope, despite the evident concern regarding the violence.

The Western media is pushing this idea that all the unrest we are seeing in Iran is because people want to overthrow the Islamic Republic, which I think is a dangerous thing to be pushing, but hey, the media have an agenda. [British journalist Robert] Fisk agrees and says this is not about overthrowing an Islamic state, they just want get rid of Ahmadinejad and have faith in the voting process.

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3 comments

I perfectly agree on letting the iranians go where they prefer. But I believe that if the regime tryies to block any opposition voice, cut the press and the communications it’s just great that the world is using the web to help the iranians choose their own future.

This is a tough call for Obama. A tough call period. I am an Iranian American and have been to Iran 3 times in the past 7 years. On each trip I traveled across the country and talked to all sorts of people so I have some insight into what is going on. I have also spoken to my family and friends who live across the country before and after the vote. This is a historical event in Iran’s post-revolution period however it turns out. There is something bubbling up but is it a game changer??

From all accounts there was a hidden rumor of sorts before the election that Musavi is going to make peace with the US fast as Obama is ready to deal. The word on the street as they say was that Ahmadinejad is a problem as he is poison to the Americans and needs to go. This was the same type of rumor that propelled Khatami to a surprise win over Noteq Nouri. At that time, the rumor was that the US wanted to deal and Khatami was the ticket as he was a gentle faced Ayatollah and not a traditional Akhond Ayatollah (Noteq Nouri). It did not work with Khatami so I am really surprised that the people came back to the polls this time in the tune of 85% for Musavi a guy who has been out of sight for over 20 years!

These demonstrations are happening not only in Tehran but in Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Ahvaz and Urumieyh. Basically, in every major city! There is a profound sense that the election was stolen. There was an 85% percent turnout so this was huge to them. This can be a regime killer if it is not handled well by the Islamic Republic. This time its pitting one powerful Ayatollah (Khamenei) against another (Rafsanjani). They are old rivals. It should also be said that Musavi and Khamanei are also old rivals as Musavi was the PM during Khamenei’s presidency. Back then the president was somewhat below the PM. Basically, its a jumble personal political mess as well.

Obama should stay out of this fight and let the two Ayatollah’s duke it out. In the meantime, the people of Iran will either fight and bleed and maybe win or go back home and NEVER vote again.

As for the Arab worlds views, that is really a joke without humor. No Arab state has anything remotely close to a democratic state. They cannot even provide a semblance of Democracy. I mean can you ever compare the democratic credentials of Egypt or Saudi Arabia the two central Arab states? Eygpt is a Mubarak Pheronic Dynasty while the Saudis will not even let women drive! Also, the last thing they want is to have peace between the US which could lead to renewal of Iran Israel ties. Just think of it from an Arab perspective. If Iran and Israel ever come to terms they would be in real trouble no matter how much oil they have.